Any pictures I have from 3 years old onwards, I am holding one of two things: a pair of red sunglasses or an open colorful book. My subsequent development into a writer with a particular love for fashion is, therefore, the work of one woman. The same woman who took said photos, a.k.a. my mom.
Inspired by the many interests she passed on to me (including but not limited to the performing arts, staying active and a love for unhealthy foods), here are a few recommendations for this Mother’s Day weekend. Perhaps along with the annual celebratory phone call and flower bouquet, one of these will entice you and your mom to do some fun activities together! These are only a handful of the countless events that constitute the month-long ThisIsAthens City Festival, which is promising to help you experience Athens in a new way.
Something to see: Synaesthesia At Municipal Gallery of Athens
A concert like no other, taking place among the paintings currently exhibited in the Municipal Gallery, with a goal of “sound and color becoming one”. Synaesthesia is, by definition, an involuntary blend of the senses that happens in some people’s brains. Many incredible artists are known to have synaesthesia, including modern phenomenon Billie Eilish.
If you were also a kid who was heavily exposed and made to love Vivaldi, Mendelssohn as well as beautiful paintings, this is guaranteed to bring your mom joy. Mother’s Day date in a museum with pretty art, a harpist and a violinist—an artist mom’s dream!
Oil on canvas, from exhibition titled Nikolas Klironomos: A Retrospective (1985–2025) currently showing at Municipal Gallery of Athens.
Urban Frictions At Macart’s Cultural Space
Beyond the varying cultural exposures, our moms would also capture our every move. There is nothing I am more grateful for than the countless embarrassing baby photos, vacation videos and fil rolls. It felt fitting to show you a way to celebrate experimental photography with your mom on Mother’s Day.
The photography show “Athens: Urban Frictions” aims to showcase the Greek capital at its most lively. The audiences is invited to reflect on Athens as a complex entity, with different hues and textures. After your walk through the exhibits, you can return home and enjoy some family photographs for a tender touch of nostalgia.
Something to do: Outdoor Yoga Session At Plateia Klathmonos
If you’re stumped for a creative way to celebrate Mother’s Day, how about some outdoor yoga with the family? Yes, it does promote stress relief (which everyone needs, but moms especially so) but it’s also a great opportunity to stretch in the sun. Bring the women in your life, a cap and some sunscreen and join the hour-and-a-half long session!
FiredUp Ceramics Fair At Kypseli City Market
Customary gift of Mother’s Day, since it is in peak Spring season, is flowers. The Ceramics fair at Kypseli City Market can give you and your mom the opportunity to pick out a lovely, handmade ceramic vase to commemorate your outing and keep her flowers fresh at home. With over 60 ceramic artists to discover, there will be several other homeware options and accessories including ceramic jewelry.
Something to eat: Coco Fino At Cholargos
When I was around 6 or 7 years old, after ballet classes every few weeks or so, we would stop at Coco Fino for roast chicken. My mom cooked, but it wasn’t her favorite thing to do and she didn’t always have the time to do it. Home cooked meals are lovely, but the family bond over a staple fast food place is forever.
Give your mom a break this Mother’s Day by bringing her some delicious roast chicken and cooking up some side dishes. Cut up a Greek choriatiki (cucumber, tomato, onion, olives and feta cheese), bring her a bottle of wine and watch some of her favorite show reruns.
Focacceria Napul’e At Syntagma Square
Every mom has her comfort food of choice that she probably keeps close to the vest. My best guess for my own mom is Italian food, so my mind immediately went to the best Italian focacceria in Athens. An excellent pit stop to snack after a weekend stroll, which also gives you the opportunity to custom-fill your focaccia with the deli meats and cheeses of your choice.
The focaccia of choice from their menu is the Italiana with prosciutto, creamy ricotta cheese, basil pesto and tomato confit. Just dreamy. If you’re in a dessert mood, their tiramisu is also quite good.
Something extra: All Star Party On Lycabettus Hill
Moms deserve a little dance fun too—thankfully with ThisIsAthens City there are some really big, fun options. All Star Lycabettus features some great DJ sets and, being in the open, you won’t have to worry about being confined in a sweaty club.
